Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups of watermelon rind, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, sliced
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Bubble remover tool
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the watermelon rind, sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, red pepper flakes, and lemon slices.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the watermelon rind is translucent and the syrup has thickened.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and lemon slices from the pot.
5. Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot preserves into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
6. Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
7. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids and bands on the jars.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
9. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a wire rack.
10. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid doesn't move, the jar is sealed.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for boiling
- Low heat for simmering
- Boiling water bath for processing
Serving size:
- Makes about 4 cups of preserves
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60 per 1 tablespoon serving
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar
- Ground cinnamon and ground cloves can be substituted for the whole spices
- Jalapeno peppers can be substituted for the red pepper flakes
Variations:
- Add chopped ginger for a spicy kick
- Use lime slices instead of lemon slices
- Add chopped onions for a savory twist
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to peel the watermelon rind
- Make sure to remove the green outer layer of the rind before chopping
- Sterilize the canning jars and equipment before use to prevent contamination
- Use a jar lifter to remove the hot jars from the boiling water bath
Storage instructions:
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year
Reheating instructions:
- Heat the preserves in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the preserves on toast or crackers
- Use as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as mint or basil
Pairings:
- Serve with cheese and crackers
- Pair with a crisp white wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the preserves are too thick, add a little water to thin them out
- If the preserves are too thin, simmer them for a little longer to thicken the syrup
Food safety advice:
- Follow proper canning procedures to prevent contamination and spoilage
- Discard any jars that do not seal properly
Food history:
- Watermelon rind preserves have been a popular Southern delicacy for generations
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, spicy, and tangy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a condiment or topping for a variety of dishes
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